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Networks are the ones in control. They have the option to pull their network programming off an affiliate at any time. Sunbeam was obligated to run that game and Idol or risk losing their Fox affiliation to another company. Networks would rather see their Primetime programming run tape-delayed on another networks affiliate in a market than not air at all.

I don't think so........

If Fox or NBC or CW had that much control in this case, none of their programming would be blacked out. It's the owner of the stations, and has been reported as such.

You are correct in that a network can pull their programming, but they can't make an affiliate show it. Affiliates have refused to air certain programs in the past.

I definitely feel for you, but you've really got to stop blaming, pleading, or trying to otherwise pressure DIRECTV to turn on DNS service for you. I assure you the rules are very restrictive on that service and carry heavy penalties if an MSO violates them.

This is something Dish Network can attest to. They were caught in violation of DNS rules a while back and had their license to "directly" offer the service suspended for some four years as a result.

The problem is the government really has got to change the rules (and I know that's asking for near "mission impossible" for them to do anything worthwhile these days ) that give the local TV stations these monopolistic powers over viewer markets this way. The rules were not intended for this, but TV group owners like Sunbeam are exploiting them anyway to extort ever higher retransmission fees from the MSOs.

If Fox or NBC or CW had that much control in this case, none of their programming would be blacked out. It's the owner of the stations, and has been reported as such.

You are correct in that a network can pull their programming, but they can't make an affiliate show it. Affiliates have refused to air certain programs in the past.

Actually the network can force an alternative should they have to. FOX added that to new contracts that in the case of retrans issues they can import their programming (and only network) into cable systems directly.

Expect more disputes like these in the future. Sunbeam's contract with Comcast will be up later this summer. It will be interesting whether they will be singing the same tune with them.

The real culprit is the networks want a piece of the retrans fees the affiliates are getting from cable & sat companies. Fox apparently wants more than the others. If an affiliate balks, well Fox yanks their programming & moves it to another affiliate. No doubt Sunbeam is probably charging even more to cover what Fox is squeezing them for. That's my theory at least.

Expect more disputes like these in the future. Sunbeam's contract with Comcast will be up later this summer. It will be interesting whether they will be singing the same tune with them.

The real culprit is the networks want a piece of the retrans fees the affiliates are getting from cable & sat companies. Fox apparently wants more than the others. If an affiliate balks, well Fox yanks their programming & moves it to another affiliate. No doubt Sunbeam is probably charging even more to cover what Fox is squeezing them for. That's my theory at least.

Since one of Sunbean's stations in Boston is an NBC affiliate, it would be an interesting situation if there's a conflict with Comcast. I don't think they will try to use leverage in Boston. They wouldn't like to lose their network affiliation.